Indian rapper Hanumankind didn’t just perform at Coachella 2025—he exploded onto the scene in what was both his Coachella debut and his first official performance in the U.S. And he did it in the most unforgettable way possible: by fusing South India’s thunderous Chenda Melam—a traditional percussion ensemble from Kerala—with trap beats, bringing the roar of Kerala’s temple drumming straight into the California deserts.
This performance transcended a typical festival set, serving as a powerful assertion of cultural identity.
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Draped in black and backed by live Chenda drummers in traditional mundus, Hanumankind turned his slot into a sonic revolution. As he dropped tracks like “Genghis” and “DAMNSON,” the beats of temple drums crashed into deep 808s, creating a genre-defying soundscape.
“This is what it means to be rooted and radical,” he proclaimed mid-set, echoing the sentiment of a generation that’s tired of diluting identity for global acceptance.
As reported by Gulf News, the set marked a new era for South Asian representation on the world’s biggest stages.
From Bangalore to the Desert: Why This Performance Mattered
What made this moment more than just a musical flex was Hanumankind’s unapologetic cultural pride. With the thundering Chenda behind him, he reminded audiences that “tradition isn’t old—it’s bold.” In an era where global sounds are increasingly homogenous, this performance was a sonic rebellion—and a declaration of South Asian creative power.
The Rise of Desi Artists on Global Stages
This isn’t an isolated event—it’s part of a rising wave of Indian and South Asian artists breaking into global consciousness. From Bollywood samples in pop hits to full-blown Carnatic drops in EDM, the West is listening—and artists like Hanumankind are leading the charge with authenticity and fire.
Where to Stream Hanumankind
Spotify: Listen Now
Apple Music: Stream Here
YouTube: Watch Now
Where to Next? Hanumankind’s Journey Is Just Getting Started
Hanumankind marked his arrival with a commanding and culturally resonant debut performance that caught the attention of Instagram’s official handle, featuring him on their story and feed in celebration of his Coachella and U.S. debut. The moment marked a major milestone for South Asian artists breaking into the global mainstream, with fans around the world praising his fearless fusion of Kerala’s Chenda Melam and hip hop fire.
Follow Hanumankind’s global journey on Instagram and support him as he brings Indian hip hop to the global stage with unapologetic cultural pride.
